It’s about a 30-minute drive and turn down a brick road in the center of downtown Ralls, H.W. and Dolores Mullins sitting in ten -year -old chairs in the 52 -year -old store. The couple talks to everyone who walks in, and greets villagers they have long known as friends.
In 1971, H.W. working for a gas company. Many times he came and learned about a plumbing problem, but couldn’t work on it. This motivated him to create his own business, Mullins Plumbing on 710 Main St.
“No one does anything, so I said I wanted to go into business for myself,” H.W. said. “So I rented the house and started doing services.”
Some of her first business calls were at local widows ’homes, where she would also replace light bulbs. That assistance, coupled with good treatment of customers and employees, is one of H.W. about the length of his business.
“All I try to do is always be nice to people,” he said. “Anyone can sell employees if you treat people well.”
Dolores was worried about the business at first, but seemed happy with the progress of success. In the beginning, she ran a supply store while her husband answered the phone.
The business has grown over time, with more employees, becoming a local icon on the first Saturday of December celebrations.
“Our business is good,” he said. “On the first Saturday in December, every business in Ralls is open and serving food, we ask people from all over the county to come to Ralls. One couple and I come here for a meal. that’s the only place we go, to get you some food. ‘”
Five years ago, the couple no longer offered plumbing service, but the supply store continues. While there, customers can seek the advice of H.W. how to solve problems without having a telephone service to plumbers out of town.
One time recently business was booming during Winter Storm Uri early last year.
“A lot of people have learned to make their own taps so they can drink water,” he said. “People who want to do it themselves probably don’t have the money to pay $ 200 for a Lubbock plumber to come here, so they come here, buy things, and I can tell them they have what to go home and do. “
H.W. also offered advice to business associates.
“Don’t give up until you put your feet on the ground,” he said. “It wasn’t a good start in the beginning. People might want to test you to see what you can or won’t do, and how you can do it to them. But, everyone, if you treat people well and well, I think you will always have a job. “
